The risk for nonpsychotic postpartum mood and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jelena Stojanov,Aleksandar Stojanov,Matija Stankovic,Olivera Zikic,Miodrag Stankovic

doi:10.1177/0091217420981533

Jelena Stojanov, Aleksandar Stojanov + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/0091217420981533

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Abstract

ObjectiveThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be the largest pandemic of our times. The aim was to recognize the risk factors for nonpsychotic postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (NPMADs) in women during the pandemic and state of emergency police lockdown in Serbia.MethodsWe assessed 108 postpartum women who completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and an additional survey constructed for this study. We also used the additional, previously mentioned survey, in 67 healthy age-matched women with children who were ≥2 years of age. The additional survey allowed us to gain insight into the impact of the pandemic as well as postpartum period on the risk of NPMADs.ResultsIn 16 (14.8%) subjects we found a score ≥10 on EPDS. Higher rates on the EPDS were noticed in elderly, single, and unemployed, women who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, or women who were dissatisfied with their household income (p < 0.05). The risk of NPMADs was linked significantly to quarantine, and social isolation, the absence of social support, as well as having emotional problems. Postpartum women, compared to non-postpartum women, were more anxious and had feelings of helplessness during social isolation.ConclusionUnderstanding the factors that increase the risk of NPMADs during the pandemic could help prevent mental disorders during a possible future pandemic.

Highlights

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be the largest pandemic of our times, with no effective treatment available as of yet.[1]
Previous studies have reported high rates of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and stress symptoms among health care workers and patients infected or suspected of being infected, some studies showed the impact of COVID-19 in pregnant women, and in the early postpartum period, but none of them showed the impact on a wider range of one-year postpartum period far.[10,11,12,13,14,15]
From a total of 108 women risk for nonpsychotic postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (NPMADs) was found in 16 (14.8%), as opposed to 92 (85.2%), where no risk was found for NPMADs

Summary

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be the largest pandemic of our times, with no effective treatment available as of yet.[1]. At a time of global crisis, fear, anxiety, and stress levels increase, with common stress responses, such as insomnia, health-anxiety, frustration, fear of being infected, and loneliness.[8] The effects of protracted social isolation, massive closure of stores, layoffs – especially in the private sector – and a drastic reduction in the household budget, seem to impair functioning.[9] Previous studies have reported high rates of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and stress symptoms among health care workers and patients infected or suspected of being infected, some studies showed the impact of COVID-19 in pregnant women, and in the early postpartum period, but none of them showed the impact on a wider range of one-year postpartum period far.[10,11,12,13,14,15] The postpartum period is innately stressful, which is why postpartum women might be at an increased risk for mental disorders, due to COVID-19.16

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